Keep Kids Reading This Summer with Fitness Finders Tokens

As the school year wraps up, many students are eager for a break - but summer doesn't have to mean the end of learning. With summer reading lists in hand, it's the perfect time to keep kids engaged and motivated. One innovative way to do this is by incorporating Fitness Finder's tokens into your summer reading program.

📚 Why Summer Reading Matters

Summer reading helps prevent the "summer slide," where students lose some of the academic progress made during the school year. It also fosters a love for reading, improves literacy skills, and keeps young minds sharp. However, maintaining motivation can be challenging without the structure of school.

🏅 Introducing Fitness Finders Tokens

Fitness Finders offers a unique solution with their Toe Tokens - colorful, collectible charms designed to celebrate achievements. Originally developed for school run clubs, these tokens have proven effective in motivating kids to stay active and reach their fitness goals. Now, they can be adapted to encourage reading.

🎯 How to Use Tokens for Summer Reading

1. Reward Reading Milestones: Award tokens for completing books or chapters. For example, after finishing a book, a camper could earn a "Star Reader" charm, celebrating their accomplishment.

2. Incorporate Physical Activity: Combine reading with movement. After reading a chapter, children can perform a physical activity like jumping jacks or a short run. Completing the activity earns them a token, blending physical fitness with reading.

3. Create a Token Economy: Set up a system where tokens can be collected and traded for rewards. For instance, after earning a certain number of tokens, children can exchange them for a prize or privilege, adding an element of gamification to reading.

4. Themed Tokens for Themed Books: Align tokens with the themes of the books being read. For example, after reading a book about space, children could earn a "Rocket" token, making the experience more immersive and thematic.

🛒 Where to Get Them

Fitness Finders provides a variety of tokens and related products to suit your needs. From Toe Tokens to award bundles and lanyards, you can find everything you need to implement an effective and engaging reward system.

🌟 Specific Tokens to Use for Reading Motivation

Fitness Finders offers a wide variety of tokens, each with fun shapes and bright colors. Here are a few that work especially well for summer reading programs:

• Book Token – A perfect match! Use this token as the primary reward for finishing a book.
  
  

• Star Token – Great for recognizing standout achievements like completing a challenging book or reading consistently each day.
  
  

• Rocket Token – Ideal for space-themed books or for readers who "blast off" into their reading goals.
  
  

• Owl Token – Symbolizing wisdom, this token can reward thoughtful readers or those who write about what they’ve read.
  
  

• Sun Token – Perfect for summer-themed reading programs and general encouragement throughout the season.
  
  

• Heart Token – Award this to children who show a love for reading or who recommend books to others.
  
  

Many of these can be found in the Toe Tokens collection on FitnessFinders.net, and can be paired with lanyards, necklaces, or key rings for collecting.

💡 Final Thoughts

Incorporating Fitness Finders tokens into your summer reading program is more than just about rewards—it's about creating an environment where kids feel motivated, appreciated, and excited to read. These tokens serve as tangible reminders of their achievements, encouraging them to strive for new goals.

As the summer unfolds, consider how a simple token system can transform your reading program, making it not only fun but also meaningful. Here's to a summer filled with books, tokens, and plenty of motivation to keep reading!

Combine Reading and Physical Activity with Fitness Finders Tokens - National Read Across America Day

Blend the world of reading with the benefits of movement to create a more dynamic and engaging experience. 

In today's digital age, we often find ourselves glued to screens, whether it's for school, work, entertainment, or socializing. However, in this tech-heavy world, it's important to find ways to engage in activities that promote both mental and physical well-being. One creative and effective way to do this is by combining reading and physical activity. Not only can the method make reading more exciting, but it also helps children and adults stay active and energized while cultivating a love for books.

How You Can Blend Reading and Fitness

Combine achieving a reading milestone that corresponds with a fitness challenge. For instance, after completing a book, they can collect a token that encourages them to do a fun activity, such as jumping jacks, running, stretching, etc.

These challenges can be tied to the theme of the book - if the story is about sports, the fitness challenge could involve practicing that sport for 10 minutes. By participating in the Fitness Finders Reading Tokens, kids can stay active, energizing both their minds and bodies. It's a creative way to engage children with physical activity while cultivating a passion for reading.

Benefits of Reading and Being Active

1. Reading-Related Movement Breaks

Sitting for extended periods can lead to decreased focus and energy, especially when reading for a long time. Instead of sitting still, take regular movement breaks that are tied to the content of the book you're reading. Here are some fun ideas:

• Character-Based Movements: if the book features a character who is a runner, dancer, or athlete, take a break and mimic that character's movements. For example, if the book is about a runner, pause the reading session and go for a little jog, or do sprints for a few minutes before resuming the reading session.
• Interactive Challenge: after reading a chapter or finishing a book, incorporate a movement challenge. For instance, if the story is about a journey or adventure, create a challenge where the reader has to perform an activity that represents part of the adventure, such as climbing (using stairs or a safe structure), jumping, or walking a certain distance.
• Stretching: after every few pages or chapters, encourage readers to stretch their arms, legs, or back. Stretching helps reduce any discomfort from sitting and improves circulation, which can enhance focus when returning to the book. 

2. Active Reading Games

Children and adults alike love a little bit of friendly competition and fun. By turning reading sessions into an interactive game, you can combine literacy with exercise. Here are some examples of active reading games:

• Reading Relay: set up a reading relay race where participants take turns reading a page or a paragraph and then perform a physical task, such as jumping jacks, a short run, or a series of stretches before the next person can start reading. The goal is to get through the book while completing a certain number of physical tasks.
• Book Bingo: create a bingo card with words from the book along with physical activity such as "jump 10 times," "do a yoga pose," or "run in place for 30 seconds." As you read, listen for those words on your bingo cards and cross off the box after completing the activity associated with that word. This helps break up the monotony of sitting still and makes the reading process much more engaging. 
• Scavenger Hunt: if you're reading a non-fiction or nature-based book, create a scavenger hunt for physical items or outdoor activities based on the book's content. For example, if you're reading a book about nature, go outside and search for leaves, rocks, or birds, making it a way to physically connect with the story.

3. Themed Physical Activities Based on Books

Another exciting way to combine reading and physical activity is to design themed workouts inspired by the content of the book. This method works particularly well with children's books or any story that contains a lot of action.

• Superhero Workouts: if you're reading a book with a superhero character, use the story to inspire a superhero workout. Have kids (or adults) do activities like running, jumping, squats, and push-ups to mimic the movements of their favorite heroes. For example, "Superman Sprints" or "Spider-Man Wall Climbs" could be part of the fun.
• Animal-Themed Exercises: books with animals as main characters can inspire exercises based on the animals' movements. After reading about a kangaroo, jump like a kangaroo. After reading about a frog, do frog jumps. These exercises will get the body moving while staying connected to the book.
• Adventure Fitness: if you're reading an adventure or fantasy book, use the journey in the story to inspire a fitness routine. For example, if the characters are trekking through a jungle or climbing a mountain, create a workout that mimics this journey by including climbs (stairs or inclined surfaces), crawls, and jumps.

4. Audiobooks with Active Listening

For those who love to listen to books, combining audiobooks with physical activity can be a great way to stay fit while enjoying a good story. You can listen to audiobooks while doing activities like:

• Walking or Jogging: take your audiobook outdoors and go for a walk or job. Whether it's through the park or around your neighborhood, moving while listening keeps your body active and your mind engaged in the story.
• Cycling: you can also enjoy an audiobook while cycling. This is an easy way to get in some physical activity while losing yourself in a great story.
• Yoga or Stretching: listening to an audiobook while doing yoga or stretching allows you to stay centered and relaxed while absorbing the story's content.

5. Physical Rewards for Reading Milestones

For young readers or children, rewarding physical activity for reading milestones can be a great motivator. Create a system where children earn "rewarding tokens" or "fitness points" after completing a book or chapter. These tokens can then be traded for a specific physical activity challenge, such as:

• Dance Party: after finishing a chapter, let the reader have a dance party.
• Obstacle Course: create a fun obstacle course that the reader must complete as a reward for finishing a book.

By associating reading achievements with fun physical activities, children will be more motivated to read and will associate reading with positive experiences, both mentally and physically.

Why Combine Reading and Fitness?

Combining reading with physical activity is a winning formula for both mental and physical health. Research shows that physical activity enhances brain function, boosts concentration, and increases overall well-being. When children are encouraged to take breaks during reading to engage in short physical exercises, it helps them refocus and reinforces the idea that learning can be both fun and active.

Moreover, fitness activities like stretching, dancing, or simple aerobic exercises release endorphins that improve mood, making children more eager to dive back into their books. It also breaks the monotony of sedentary reading sessions and promotes the importance of movement, which is key in preventing the effects of a sedentary lifestyle, such as poor posture or low energy.

A Balanced Approach to Learning

National Read Across America Day is a fantastic opportunity to not only celebrate reading but also to introduce children to healthy habits. By incorporating tools like Fitness Finders Reading tokens and Fitness Tokens, we can create an exciting and balanced approach to both learning and fitness. Children are encouraged to read, engage in physical activities, and reflect on their experiences, making the celebration of reading both educational and energizing.

So, whether you're an educator, parent, or student, this March 2nd, let's celebrate National Read Across America Day with a twist of combining the power of reading with the benefits of physical activity. 

Celebrating National Read Across America Day On March 2nd: Dr. Seuss Birthday

 More than just an annual celebration of books - it's a day to encourage kids, families, and educators to embrace the joy of reading.

Held each year on March 2nd in honor of Dr. Suess's birthday, this event inspires children nationwide to pick up a book and dive into a world of adventure, imagination, and learning.

Reading is fundamental to learning. By developing reading skills, children not only improve their literacy, but also gain the ability to think critically, solve problems, and understand different perspectives. In fact, studies show that children who read regularly tend to perform better academically and have enhanced cognitive abilities.

Celebrating Dr. Suess and His Impact on Reading

Dr. Suess, also known as, Theodor Seuss Geisel, was an American author and illustrator who revolutionized children's literature with his whimsical characters, playful language, and unforgettable rhymes. Books like The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and Horton Hears a Who! have inspired children to read for decades.

Dr. Suess's unique approach to storytelling captivates children's attention and makes reading feel exciting rather than a chore. On National Read Across America Day, schools and libraries across the country often focus on reading Dr. Suess's books, as a way to honor his legacy and encourage children to develop a love of reading. The day is filled with special events, reading sessions, and activities based on his books, making it a perfect occasion for both fun and learning.

National Read Across America Day

National Read Across America Day, organized by the National Education Association (NEA), celebrates the importance of reading and promotes literacy across all age groups. Schools, libraries, and communities across the county host events like reading sessions, book fairs, and special activities that encourage children to develop a love for books. The event not only improves literacy skills but also fosters creativity, imagination, and critical thinking.

The Importance of National Read Across America Day

National Read Across America Day isn't just about reading books - it's about inspiring children to discover the magic of reading and to foster lifelong reading habits. The celebration aims to cultivate a love for reading, stimulate young imaginations, and support literacy across all age groups. From picture books to chapter books, reading introduces children to new worlds, improves vocabulary, and strengthens cognitive development.

How to Celebrate National Read Across America Day

Celebrating National Read Across America Day can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Here are a few fun and creative ways to participate:

1. Host a Reading Party

Whether you're in a classroom or at home, you can host a reading party! Gather a group of children and read aloud from their favorite books. You could read classic Dr. Suess books or explore other fun, age-appropriate literature. To make it more exciting, encourage children to dress up as their favorite book characters or authors and have a mini costume parade.

2. Create a Reading Challenge

Turn National Read Across America Day into a fun reading challenge! Set a goal for how many books or pages kids should read throughout the day. Offer rewards or certificates to those who corner with cozy blankets, pillows, and lots of books to entice kids to dive into their reading materials.

3. Invite Guest Speakers

One way to engage children in reading is to bring in special guest readers. Teachers, parents, or community members can volunteer to read books aloud to children. It could even be fun to invite local celebrities or community leaders to join in! This gives children the opportunity to see that reading is something everyone values, regardless of age or profession.

4. Interactive Activities and Crafts

Bring the books to life with activities and crafts! After reading a book, encourage children to participate in a craft that relates to the story. For example, if you're reading The Cat in the Hat, you could have a craft station where kids make their own silly hats. If you're reading a book about animals, create a scavenger hunt with animal-themed clues. This allows children to connect with the story in a hands-on way, which makes the experience even more memorable.

5. Storytime with Audiobooks

For a modern twist on reading, consider listening to an audiobook! Audiobooks allow children to enjoy a story while participating in activities like drawing, building, or stretching. This is a great option for busy families or classrooms with multiple activities. Audiobooks provide the same literacy benefits as reading a physical book and allow children to experience the world of stories in a new way.

What are Fitness Finders Reading Tokens?

The Fitness Finders Reading Tokens are a great way to make reading even more engaging by rewarding students with tokens or badges when they accomplish certain reading milestones. Put a twist on The Fitness Finders Reading Tokens program by combining it with a fitness challenge to keep things fun and a way to keep kids active while they read. As kids complete certain reading milestones - like finishing a chapter, a book, or a specific genre - they collect "reading tokens."

2024 Kids Books for Your Summer Reading List

 

In this article, we prepared a list of books to inspire kids to embrace friendship, overcome obstacles, seek adventure, and fitness, and be outside. Like our company Fitness Finders, these books highlight the joy of staying active, encourage physical health, and foster a love for the outdoors and a spirit of adventure.

The Best Worst Camp Out Ever

A boy and his father go on a camping trip where everything goes wrong! Or does it?

Recommended for kids aged: 4 - 8

Purchase from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target

Running in Flip Flops From the End of the World

When 12-year-old Eddie Gordon Holloway and his friends are left home from Beach Bash, aka the greatest party of the year, only to realize that everyone in town has disappeared without a trace, they do what any smart, responsible kids would do...have the best day ever!

Recommended for kids aged: 8 - 10

Purchase from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target, Scholastic

Schnozzer & Tatertoes: Take a Hike!

Two best-friend dogs, Schnozzer (the smart one) and Tatertoes (the cheerful one), set off into the forest on a journey to visit Tatertoes’s mom. Along their adventure, they encounter bees, bears, quicksand, characters from fairy tales, something called “nose spiders,” and lots of yo-yo action.

Recommended for kids aged: 7 - 10

Purchase from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target

A Rover’s Story

Meet Resilience, a Mars rover determined to live up to his name.

Res was built to explore Mars. He was not built to have human emotions. But as he learns new things from the NASA scientists who assemble him, he begins to develop human-like feelings. Maybe there’s a problem with his programming….

Recommended for kids aged: 8 - 12

Purchase from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target

The BFG

The BFG is the story of a giant who isn't as swollomping as other giants. In fact, he's rather friendly. 

Recommended for kids aged: 8 - 12

Purchase from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target

Mr. Popper’s Penguins

A humble house painter is sent a male penguin by the great Admiral Drake and, thanks to the arrival of a female penguin, soon has twelve penguins living in his house.

Recommended for kids aged: 6 - 9

Purchase from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target

Stone Fox

Based on a Rocky Mountain legend, Stone Fox tells the story of Little Willy, who lives with his grandfather in Wyoming. When Grandfather falls ill, he is no longer able to work the farm, which is in danger of foreclosure. Little Willy is determined to win the National Dogsled Race—the prize money would save the farm and his grandfather. But he isn't the only one who desperately wants to win. 

Recommended for kids aged: 8 - 10

Purchase from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target

The Hundred Dresses

Wanda Petronski is ridiculed by her classmates for wearing the same faded blue dress every day. She claims she has one hundred dresses at home, but everyone knows she doesn’t. When Wanda is pulled out of school one day, the class feels terrible, and classmate Maddie decides that she is "never going to stand by and say nothing again."

Recommended for kids aged: 7 - 10

Purchase from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target

Journey to the Centre of the Earth

An ancient book is opened by the eccentric Professor Lidenbrock and his life - and the life of his nephew Axel - is changed for ever. An old piece of paper has tumbled from the book, a priceless parchment that will lead them on a terrifying journey to find what lies at the center of the Earth.

Recommended for kids aged: 11 - 13

Purchase from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target

Fun Reading Activities for Kids: National Reading Month

March is a special month that brings the joy of reading into the spotlight - it's National Reading Month! This time of year is perfect for encouraging the young readers in your life to explore new worlds, go on adventures, and discover the magic that books have to offer.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or mentor, there are countless ways to make reading fun and engaging for children.

In this article, we'll dive into some creative and enjoyable reading activities that are sure to kindle a love for reading in kids of all ages.

5 Fun Reading Activities for Kids

1. Start a Book Club for Kids

One of the best ways to make reading a social and enjoyable activity is to start a book club. Gather a group of kids who are at similar reading levels and choose books that cater to their interests. You can meet weekly or monthly to discuss the books, share thoughts, and engage in activities related to the story. This not only enhances comprehension skills but also builds social connections through shared experiences. 

2. Create a Reading Reward Program

Motivation plays a key role in encouraging kids to read more. Setting up a reading rewards program can be an exciting way for kids to track their progress and get rewarded for their efforts. Websites like Fitness Finders offer fantastic resources for creating a rewards system. Whether it's earning a badge for every book read or achieving milestones for a certain number of pages, these tangible rewards can significantly boost their enthusiasm for reading.

3. Dive Into Interactive Reading Apps

In this digital age, interactive reading apps can be a wonderful supplement to traditional reading. These apps often include stories with animations, sound effects, and interactive elements that make reading a more immersive experience. By combining technology with education, kids can enjoy the process of learning to read and improve their literacy skills in a fun and engaging way.

4. Host a Book-Theme Party

Imagine the excitement of bringing a favorite book to life! Hosting a book-themed party can be a fantastic way to celebrate reading. Choose a beloved book and organize activities, games, and crafts based on its theme. From a magical Harry Potter evening to an adventurous Percy Jackson day, the possibilities are endless. 

This not only makes reading fun but also allows kids to express their creativity and imagination.

5. Encourage Creative Writing

Reading and writing go hand in hand. Encouraging kids to write their own stories can enhance their understanding and appreciation of literature. Provide prompts or story starters related to the books they're reading, and let their imagination run wild. This not only improves their writing skills but also helps them to think critically about the stories they read.

Making Reading a Joyful Adventures

As we celebrate National Reading Month, let's remember that the goal is to instill a lifelong love of reading in children. By incorporating fun reading activities, we can transform reading from a solitary task into a joyful and shared adventure.

Engaging in activities like starting a book club, creating a reading rewards program, exploring interactive reading apps or audiobooks, hosting book-themed parties, and encouraging creative writing can make a significant difference in how children perceive reading. It's about making reading an enjoyable part of their lives, something they look forward to every day.

Reading opens doors to new worlds, ideas, and possibilities. It's a skill that not only contributes to academic success but also to personal growth and empathy. 

As we explore these fun reading activities, let's also remind ourselves of the importance of being role models. Showing kids that reading is a valued and enjoyable part of our own lives can be one of the most powerful motivators. 

In the spirit of National Reading Month, let's challenge ourselves and the kids in our lives to read more, explore more, and imagine more. After all, every book is a new adventure waiting to be discovered. Happy reading!

Don't forget to check out Fitness Finders for more resources to make reading fun and rewarding for kids.

A Reading Teachers' Motivational Tool

An Interview with Tina Slater, a Special Education Teacher

Name: Tina Slater

Position Title: Special Education Teacher

Grades: Fourth and Fifth Grades

School Name: Onsted Elementary School

Years Teaching: 27 years

Current Subjects: Reading, Math and Writing

How do you use tokens from Fitness Finders in your reading classroom?

In my reading resource classroom, students are awarded tokens after reading a leveled chapter book. Students are reading their chapter book for 10-15 minutes each day so it can take 8-12 days to complete a book. During reading, the student and I talk about the text and I listen to them read. When the book is complete, we meet to talk about the book and their reading success. During this time I present a token to commemorate their accomplishment. 

 

How do you choose which tokens to use?

When selecting the token to award, I try to match the token with the book the student has just completed. I have a variety of animals and objects to choose from. 

When students completed a book about Knights, I awarded them a key and a compass — which were two important objects from the Knights' Quest. They were thrilled! Sometimes it can be more difficult to make a match - in those cases, I may use the question mark token and make a connection with the predictions students made during reading or their use of expression when reading aloud. 

 

How do you distribute tokens?

Tokens are presented by me to students in a private ceremony. I actually make a big deal when presenting the token and make a mini-speech calling out the achievements the students made while reading the book and making connections between their reading success and the token. 

I am conferencing (video) with the student, but I am aware that others (family members) are listening. I try to call out as many positive reading behaviors as possible.

 

How do students display their tokens?

Students wear their tokens on lanyards during reading class (the laces from Fitness Finders). Each student selected their lanyard and the links (Lacelink) from the variety of colors and patterns Fitness Finders offers. 

When students aren’t wearing their necklaces they are displayed on hooks near our bookshelves. 

 

 

 Do you have a favorite token? 

I love all of the Animals! Our school mascot is the wildcat — so all of the cats and paws are a hit with my students. 

 

 How has this changed your classroom environment or impacted student motivation? 

Rewarding tokens has brought a bit more fun and provided a visual that represents student success.  I love it when I hear a student say, 

“I can’t believe I have read this much,” as they are putting on their necklace before class.

 

Can you share any stories or quotes from students while using tokens in your class?   

5th grader Emma said, 

“When we get rewarded with tokens, it just makes us want to read more and work harder. It makes everything more fun!”

 

Do you have any plans specifically for reading month?

During Reading Month, students will be earning double tokens and we will be celebrating Wildcats Read with drawings for extra tokens. I’ll also be taking pictures of students reading while wearing their token necklaces to send home with their progress reports in mid-March.